The Chargers selected the former the Tallahassee native No. 16 overall in the 2006 NFL draft.

“To The San Diego Chargers and the Spanos Family, thank you for believing in me, Thank you for taking a chance on a young kid from Tallahassee, Florida who did not play much in college. You believed in my ability and my potential to play at a professional level, and I will forever be grateful,” Cromartie wrote, per USA Today.

In 2007, Cromartie led the league with 10 interceptions. The veteran was one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks for much of his career.

The 33-year-old spent four of his 11 seasons with the Bolts, appearing in 64 games, amassed 165 tackles, 15 interceptions, 42 passes defended and two fumble recoveries. Cromartie was a four-time Pro Bowler, making one of his appearances with the Chargers, and a one-time member of the All-Pro first team.